Academic Advising Centre
Academic Advising Centre
Find answers to common questions about academic advising, program planning, course planning, graduation, and other academic topics at UFV.
What is academic advising?
Academic advising provides dedicated support for students throughout their journey at UFV. Whether you are exploring program options, considering ways to enhance your degree, or preparing for graduation, your Academic Advisor is here to help you reach your goals.
Your advisor can help you:
Where can I get academic advising?
Academic advising appointments are available in person, virtually, or by phone. In-person and virtual appointments are recommended, as they allow advisors to share information and resources more effectively during your meeting.
In-person advising is available at both the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses.
Find advising locations and office hours
Toll-free within Canada: 1-888-504-7441, ext. 4674.
Email: advising@ufv.ca
You can also visit the Academic Advising website for appointment information and additional resources.
How do I make an advising appointment?
You can book an advising appointment through myUFV by selecting your assigned Advisor card to view your advisor’s availability. Be sure to check both virtual and in-person options for the broadest availability.
If your assigned advisor does not have appointments that work for you, you can also view availability for alternate advisors.
Appointments can also be booked by phone:
Same-day advising appointments may be available for quick questions. These 30-minute appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked after 8:30 am on the same day.
Same-day appointment availability varies by program and may not be available for students in Business, Education, or Criminal Justice programs.
Who is my academic advisor?
UFV students are assigned an Academic Advisor or advising team. In most cases, you can find your assigned advisor by logging into myUFV and reviewing your assigned Advisor card.
Your assigned Advisor card will show:
If you do not see an assigned Advisor card in myUFV, contact the Academic Advising Centre:
How do I choose the right program for me?
Choosing a program is an important decision, and it should align with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
As you explore your options, consider:
Career exploration tools can also help you connect your interests and strengths with possible career paths and educational requirements. One resource we recommend is CareerMapping.ca.
To explore your options, visit the UFV Programs page to browse all UFV programs across a wide range of fields.
Current UFV students can book a career counselling appointment or speak with their academic advisor for help exploring options and planning next steps. Future students are encouraged to connect with the Future Students Office to learn more about UFV programs.
What types of programs does UFV offer?
UFV offers a wide range of programs, including:
To explore your options, visit the UFV Programs page to browse programs across a wide range of fields and learn more about program details, admission requirements, and application information.
If you are unsure which program is right for you, speak with your academic advisor or connect with the Future Students Office for guidance.
Can I change my program?
Yes. Students may change programs if their goals or interests change over time.
Before applying to a new program, review the admission requirements and application deadlines in the Academic Calendar. You may need one or more semesters to complete required courses or improve grades before you are eligible.
Courses completed before changing programs may still apply toward your new program requirements.
Once admitted to your new program, meet with your assigned academic advisor to review your progress and develop an education plan.
International students should consult with an Immigration Advisor before changing programs to discuss study permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit considerations.
I was not admitted to my goal program. What should I do?
If you were not admitted to your first-choice program, you may have been offered admission to an alternate program. Be sure to review your admission letter carefully to understand your options and next steps.
Meet with an Advisor who can help you:
Many students begin in an alternate program or Qualifying Studies before transitioning into their intended program later on.
I do not meet the admission requirements for my goal program. Can I take upgrading courses?
Yes. If you do not currently meet the admission requirements for your goal program, Academic Advising can help you develop a plan to become eligible.
Depending on your situation, this may include upgrading courses, Qualifying Studies, or other preparatory pathways. An advisor can help you identify the specific requirements you need to meet and recommend courses that align with your academic goals.
I was admitted to Qualifying Studies. What does that mean, and can I still enter my goal program later?
Students may be admitted to Qualifying Studies (QS) for several reasons. Common reasons include needing to upgrade admission requirements, exploring academic goals, missing a program application deadline, or not meeting program continuance requirements.
As a QS student, you will work with an academic advisor to build an education plan and identify the courses needed to move toward your intended program.
An advisor can help you:
Many students successfully transition from qualifying studies into their intended program with careful planning and strong academic performance.
I have completed one program and want to complete another. Can I use my previous credits?
If you are considering completing a second program, it is important to meet with an academic advisor to review how your previous credits may apply toward your new program.
Some two-year programs such as diplomas within the same subject area, may ladder smoothly into additional credentials. However, not all programs align directly, and additional coursework may be required.
You can also use the MyGradPlan “what-if” feature in myUFV to explore how your completed credits might apply to other UFV programs.
If you are considering a second bachelor’s degree, additional UFV credits beyond your first degree requirements will be necessary. An advising appointment is strongly recommended to review your options and understand applicable UFV policies and requirements.
Can I complete a certificate while working on my diploma or degree?
Yes. Completing a certificate alongside your diploma or degree can be a good way to expand your knowledge and add another credential.
In some cases, certificate requirements may fit within your elective courses without extending your overall study time.
To explore your options, review certificate programs in the Academic Calendar, use the MyGradPlan "what-if" feature in myUFV, or speak with your academic advisor.
Because admission requirements and course-sharing rules vary between programs, it is recommended that you consult with an advisor before proceeding.
Once you complete the certificate requirements, you must apply to graduate to have the credential awarded.
What courses do I need to complete my program?
The best way to confirm your program requirements is through MyGradPlan in your myUFV account. MyGradPlan provides a personalized outline of the courses and requirements needed to complete your credential.
If you are unsure how to read your MyGradPlan or if something appears incorrect, contact your academic advisor for clarification.
If you have not yet been admitted to your intended program, you can also use the MyGradPlan “what-if” feature to explore how your completed courses may apply to a different UFV program.
How long will it take me to complete my program?
Completion time varies depending on your program requirements and the number of courses you take each semester. Most UFV programs allow students to progress at their own pace.
For example, a 120-credit bachelor’s degree typically consists of about 40 courses. Students who complete approximately 10 courses per year may finish in about four years. However, many students balance work, family, and other responsibilities while studying and therefore choose to take fewer courses each semester.
Your completion timeline may depend on:
Meeting with your academic advisor can help you develop a realistic completion plan based on your goals and circumstances.
I have received transfer credit. Will these courses count toward my program?
Transfer credits may apply toward your program requirements or elective requirements, depending on the courses transferred and the program you are completing.
You can review how your transfer credits are being applied in MyGradPlan through your myUFV account.
If you have questions about how your transfer credit applies to your program, connect with your academic advisor or the Academic Advising Centre for assistance.
Can I complete a co-op as part of my program?
Many programs offer co-operative education opportunities that allow students to gain paid, work-integrated learning experience related to their field of study.
To find out whether co-op is available in your program, review your program requirements in the Academic Calendar or speak with your academic advisor.
Students interested in co-op should connect with the Centre for Experiential and Career Education (CECE) for current information about eligibility, information sessions, and next steps.
If co-op is not available in your program, you may still have opportunities to participate in practicums or other experiential learning opportunities through your department.
What is a major, minor, extended minor, or concentration?
Degree programs can often be customized through majors, minors, extended minors, and concentrations. The options available depend on your program.
A major is your primary area of study and determines the core courses required to complete your degree.
A minor is an optional secondary area of study that requires fewer courses than a major.
An extended minor falls between a minor and a major, requiring more courses than a standard minor but fewer than a major. Some programs permit the combination of two extended minors in place of a major.
A concentration is a specialized focus within your major or program that allows you to tailor your studies toward a particular area of interest. Not all programs offer concentrations.
If you are unsure which option is right for you, meet with your academic advisor to discuss your goals and program requirements.
How do I add or declare a major, concentration, or minor?
If you are enrolled in a degree program, you may be able to customize your studies by declaring a major, minor, extended minor, or concentration.
You should declare your major once you meet the eligibility requirements, ideally after completing approximately 30 credits and before reaching 60 university-level credits.
You can review available options in the Academic Calendar to explore what is offered within your program.
To declare a major, minor, extended minor, or concentration, meet with your academic advisor or contact advising@ufv.ca. In some programs, declarations may be completed by email.
There is no cost to declare a major, minor, extended minor, or concentration.
If you have received a declaration reminder but are not yet ready to declare, meet with your advisor to discuss your options and next steps.
Can I complete an Honours program?
Some UFV degree programs offer an Honours option. You can review the Academic Calendar to determine whether your program includes this opportunity.
Honours programs are typically declared after completing approximately 90 credits and usually require a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, additional coursework, and departmental approval.
If you are interested in pursuing Honours, meet with your academic advisor to confirm eligibility requirements and discuss how to incorporate Honours into your academic plan.
Completing an Honours program may strengthen preparation for graduate studies and can enhance opportunities in some career fields.
How many courses am I allowed to take in a semester?
Students may register in a maximum of 20 credits per semester. If you wish to take more than 20 credits, you must submit a Request to Increase Credit Limit form for approval.
A course load of 20 credits or more is considered heavy and is generally not recommended.
For most students, a full-time course load typically ranges between 9 and 15 credits per semester, depending on their academic goals, work schedule, and personal commitments.
How do I decide whether to drop a course, and what is the deadline?
If you are considering dropping a course, you are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor to understand how this decision may affect your education plan and program progression. You should also review the impact on any sponsorship or student loan funding you receive.
Withdrawal deadlines are set each semester and are published on the Registration Dates and Deadlines page. It is important to review these dates carefully before making your decision.
I need a required course, but it is full. What should I do?
If the required course is full, you should add yourself to the waitlist and follow the posted waitlist procedures. You may also wish to consult with your academic advisor to explore alternative course options that could help you stay on track with your program requirements.
I want to take a course, but I do not meet the prerequisite. Can I still register?
No. You may only register in a course if you meet the listed prerequisites.
In some cases, you may contact the course instructor to request permission to waive the prerequisite. Approval is at the instructor’s discretion and is not guaranteed.
For best results, request prerequisite waivers before your registration date.
I took courses at another institution but have not received transfer credit. Who should I contact?
If you completed courses at another institution and do not see transfer credit on your UFV record, ensure that official transcripts have been sent directly to UFV for evaluation.
You may also be asked to provide course outlines to support the transfer credit assessment process.
Transfer credit evaluations can take several weeks to complete. If you have questions about the status of your transfer credit, contact the Academic Advising Centre.
You can also use the BC Transfer Guide to explore how courses from other institutions may transfer to UFV.
I have failed a course. What should I do?
If you have failed a course, you may repeat it up to three times, including repeats completed at another institution and transferred to UFV.
If you need to repeat a course a fourth time, you are encouraged to consult with your academic advisor about submitting a Course Repeat Petition.
When you repeat a course, only the higher grade is used in the calculation of your GPA.
If the course is not required for your program, it may also be helpful to discuss whether repeating the course is necessary based on your academic goals.
Can I take a course at another institution and apply it to my UFV program?
In many cases, yes. Before registering at another institution, you should submit a Letter of Permission request to confirm how the course will apply to your UFV program.
Receiving approval in advance helps ensure the course will transfer as expected. Keep in mind that most UFV programs also have residency requirements, meaning a certain number of credits must be completed at UFV to earn your credential.
After completing the course, submit an official transcript to UFV so the transfer credit can be applied to your student record.
Related resources:
How many courses can I take in a semester?
Students may register in up to 20 credits per semester. If you wish to exceed this limit, you must submit a Permission to Register form for approval.
A traditional full-time course load is often around 15 credits per semester, which is typically five three-credit courses. However, many students choose to take fewer courses to balance work, family, and other commitments.
An academic advisor can help you determine a manageable courseload based on your goals and circumstances.
How many hours per week should I spend studying for each course?
As a general guideline, students should expect to spend approximately two hours studying outside of class for every one hour spent in class each week.
For example, a three-credit course typically requires about nine hours of total academic time per week, including lectures, readings, assignments, and independent study.
Study time may vary depending on:
How many courses do I need to take to be considered a full-time student?
At UFV, full-time status is generally defined as a minimum of nine credits per semester.
If you are registered with the Centre for Accessibility Services your full-time credit requirement may differ. Some funding, scholarship, or sponsorship programs may also require a higher course load to maintain eligibility.
International students should note that tuition fees are typically based on 12 credits during the fall and winter semesters. Although nine credits meets the requirements for full-time status, tuition fees are not reduced for students taking fewer than 12 credits.
What is the minimum passing grade in a course?
A grade of D is considered a passing grade at UFV. However, some courses and programs require a higher grade to meet prerequisite or graduation requirements.
In many cases, a minimum grade of C- is required to use a course as a prerequisite for further study.
Be sure to review the UFV Academic Calendar for the specific requirements of your program and courses.
What does it mean when a course has both a lecture and a lab?
If a course includes both a lecture and a lab component, it means the course is divided into two parts. During the lecture, you will learn the course material and theoretical concepts. During the lab, you will apply that knowledge through practical exercises or activities.
When registering for a course with both components, you must enroll in both the lecture and the corresponding lab section at the same time to ensure you are fully registered in the course.
How do I request a credit increase?
To request a credit increase, you must book an appointment with your assigned advisor through myUFV. Approval is not automatic or guaranteed. You will need to provide a rationale for your previous semester performance and a plan for how you will achieve a successful academic performance going forward.
How do I know if I have completed all the requirements needed to graduate?
You can check your progress toward graduation by reviewing your MyGradPlan in myUFV under the MyGRADplan card. You can also book an appointment with your assigned academic advisor, who can review your program
How do I apply to graduate?
Log in to myUFV and go to the Student Record Requests card. The “Apply to Graduate” option is listed third on this card. Follow the instructions to complete your application.
How is my GPA calculated?
Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated using the grade point values assigned to your final grades. To calculate your GPA, multiply the grade point value for each course by the number of course credits, add the totals together, and divide by the total number of credits attempted.
UFV calculates several GPA types:
To learn more about the letter grading system and grading scale, review UFV's Grading and Academic Standing information.
You can use the GPA Calculator to estimate your GPA.
| Grade | Percentage equivalent | Grade point value |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90-100 | 4.33 |
| A | 85-89 | 4.00 |
| A- | 80-84 | 3.67 |
| B+ | 77-79 | 3.33 |
| B | 73-76 | 3.00 |
| B- | 70-72 | 2.67 |
| C+ | 67-69 | 2.33 |
| C | 63-66 | 2.00 |
| C- | 60-62 | 1.67 |
| D | 50-59 | 1.00 |
| F | <50 (fail) | 0.00 |
How do I plan for graduate school or a professional program?
If you are considering graduate school or another professional program, early planning is important. Some students move directly from their undergraduate program into further studies, while others take time to gain work experience or prepare financially before continuing their education.
Begin by researching programs that align with your interests, career goals, and educational objectives. Consider factors such as admission requirements, application deadlines, costs, location, and delivery format.
Academic Advising provides resources and links to a variety of master's and postgraduate programs to help you explore your options. You should also review the admission requirements for programs of interest and speak with your instructors, who can often provide valuable insight into graduate-level study and application preparation.
Once you have identified potential programs, meet with your academic advisor to ensure you are incorporating any required courses or academic requirements into your undergraduate program.
Visit the post-graduate planning page.